1. Recipe book of your favorite recipes. Recycle or purchase a photo album or box that will hold 4 x 6 index cards, or create a page with four boxes per page on your computer. Print, type or write a favorite recipe on each one. Be sure to make a copy of the original so you can reproduce these easily. Place each recipe in a photo sleeve or the box sorted by category. Add a personal note, such “favorite at family gatherings”, “from my grandmother” etc.
2. Gourmet chocolate pretzels. Purchase a large block of chocolate, chocolate chips or bits. Melt in a double boiler. Take your favorite pretzels – stick or twists, and dip all or part of each pretzel in the chocolate. You can additionally dip in sprinkles, colored sugar, crushed peppermints – use your imagination. Let the chocolate harden and put in a gift bag or box.
3. Bath salts. In a large glass or ceramic bowl combine 1 cup coarse sea salt or kosher salt, 1 cup Epsom salts and 1 cup baking soda. Mix in 15 drops of essential oil (less depending on how strong a scent you want) and ¼ cup sweet almond oil. Mix well. Spoon into small glass jars. Decorate with ribbon and gift tag. (A few traditional oils and their uses: Eucalyptus – energizing, antibacterial; Lavender – relaxation, spirit lifting; Lemon balm – increases cheerfulness; Citrus – calming, antidepressant; Peppermint – increases awareness and energy; Rose – instills compassion and relaxation; Rosemary – improves memory and energy; Sandalwood – calming)
4. Framed name print. Research the meaning of a person’s name. Using the computer or by hand, type or print the name in large script. Beneath, in smaller script, write the meaning. Print on a nice piece of paper, trim to size and place in frame of your choice.